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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Powell Allen (ASN: RA-35016145), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. At about 0200 hours, 28 July 1950, near Hwanggan, Korea, Corporal Allen’s unit was advancing against stubborn enemy resistance. When the other members of his squad had been put out of action, Corporal Allen took the light machine gun in his bare hands, although the barrel was hot, and, with ammunition wrapped around his waist, charged up a hill, spraying the enemy with fire. By his bold and gallant action he cleared the hill of sufficient enemy that the remainder of the troops could continue their advance. His actions reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 15, 1950
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 64 (February 10, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant John Powell Allen (ASN: RA-35016145), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces Ghingdon-ni, Korea, on 15 September 1950. When Company G was ordered to attack an enemy position, Sergeant Allen’s platoon became heavily engaged, Sergeant Allen was ordered to move his machine-gun squad to a ridge in order to better support the attack. When he reached the ridge line and began setting up his machine-gun to support the attacking elements, an enemy soldier threw a grenade in the middle of the squad. With complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Allen threw his body over the grenade in order to protect his men; however, the grenade failed to explode. Sergeant Allen’s squad was so inspired by this action that they delivered the seriously needed supporting fire with great ferocity, aiding the attacking elements to take the objective and accomplish their mission. Sergeant Allen’s gallant offer to sacrifice his life and his dauntless leadership were an inspiration to all men who witnessed the action and reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.